SBS NOVA | 2017 Social Security Changes Announced
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2017 Social Security Changes Announced

28 Oct 2017 Social Security Changes Announced

Posted at 19:00h in Retirement by
The Social Security Administration recently announced monthly social security and supplemental security income benefits (SSI) will increase slightly in 2017. This increase is based upon the Consumer Price Index over the past 12 months ending in September 2016. On the other hand, the potential maximum payment to Social Security goes up a whopping 7.3%. A recap of the key amounts is outlined here:

2017 Key Social Security Benefits

What does it mean for you?

  • Up to $127,200 in wages will be subject to Social Security Taxes (This is up $8,700 from 2016). This amounts to $7,886.40 (up 7.3% versus 2016) in maximum annual employee Social Security payments. Any excess amounts paid due to having multiple employers can be returned to you via a credit on your tax return.
  • For all retired workers receiving Social Security retirement benefits the estimated average monthly benefit will be $1,360/mo. in 2017.
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is the standard payment for people in need. To qualify for this payment you must have little income and few resources ($2,000 if single/$3,000 if married).
  • A full-time student who is blind or disabled can still receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits as long as earned income does not exceed the monthly and annual student exclusion amounts listed above.

Social Security & Medicare Rates

After temporary payroll tax rate cuts that ended in 2012, the rates do not change from 2016 to 2017.

Note: The above tax rates are a combination of 6.20% Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare. There is also a Medicare .9% wages surtax for those with wages above $200,000 single ($250,000 joint filers) that is not reflected in these figures. Please recall that your employer also pays Social Security and Medicare taxes on your behalf. These figures are reflected in the self-employed tax rates, as self-employed individuals pay both halves of the tax.